Visit

The National Arboretum Canberra is home to over 90 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. More than 35,000 trees have been planted on the 250 hectare (618 acres) site, with species from over 100 countries represented.

Located just six kilometres from the centre of Canberra, the Arboretum offers panoramic views over Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin and the mountains beyond.

Enjoy a free guided walk with one of our friendly and knowledgeable volunteers from the Friends of the Arboretum, or take a self-guided walk, meandering through the forests. At the Village Centre, relax and refresh at Sprout Café or The Conservatory Restaurant, browse for gifts in the Arboretum shop and discover the stories of the forests from the information displays.

The Arboretum offers group and school tours and activities, as well as a public program of events, talks and courses.  

Contact us

• General enquiries, please call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81, Sunday to Monday, email: arboretum@act.gov.au
• For all venue hire, call Ginger Catering on 02 6130 0170, email: info@gingercatering.com.au
• The Conservatory Restaurant bookings, call Ginger Catering on 02 6130 0173, email: info@gingercatering.com.au
• Tour bookings, call 6205 0781, email: arboretum@act.gov.au
• Education enquiries, including school visits, activities and school holiday programs, call our Education Officer on 02 6207 8156, email: heather.tregoning@act.gov.au
   
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Right Now

• The Silver birches, Betula pendula ssp. pendula, are showing beautiful autumn colours in Forest 44.
• Close by in Forest 71, the iconic Bunya pines, Araucaria bidwillii, are growing strongly. Traditionally considered sacred by Indigenous Australians, only two small native populations of these trees are growing in south eastern Queensland, making the Arboretum's forest an important part of their conservation.
  
  

 

How to get to the National Arboretum Canberra

Parking

Paid parking is available at the Village Centre, with all proceeds going towards projects at the Arboretum. The main carpark at the Village Centre includes 5 Disability parking bays, a set-down and pick up zone and allocated bus parking. Parking is free for vehicles displaying a Disability Parking permit. Parking fees: $2 an hour, maximum $7 for the day.

Bicycle parking

Temporary bicycle racks are available at the top of the main car park and at Dairy Farmers Hill. Riders must provide their own locks and chains.

Public transport

A bus service to the Arboretum is expected to operate by 2014. There is a taxi pickup and drop off zone at the Arboretum. 

What to wear

Visiting the National Arboretum Canberra is generally an outdoor experience, so if you plan to go for a walk, please wear clothes and shoes suitable for uneven ground. Please wear appropriate sun and weather protection and bring water, particularly during the hot summer months. Brown snakes have been sighted at the Arboretum so please aware at all times.

Dogs and horses

Dogs on leads are permitted in the Arboretum during normal opening hours. Dogs are not allowed in buildings, other than assistance animals. Dog owners are expected to carry bags to clean up after their dogs. No disposal bins or bag dispensers are provided; consistent with the policy across Canberra's urban parks and open space areas.

The Bicentennial National Equestrian Trail passes through the Arboretum and horse riding is permitted on designated trails. Horses must not be tied or corralled in forests where horses could damage young trees.

Fees and charges

Entry to the Village Centre is free. For more information on fees and charges visit the Fees and Charges page.